GB2592443A

GB2592443A - Punch bag sleeve system

Info

Publication number: GB2592443A
Application number: GB2002917.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bird Kenneth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2020-02-28
Publication date: 2021-09-01
Also published as: GB202002917D0; GB2608083A; WO2021171039A1; GB202214110D0

Abstract

A punch bag sleeve 2 for removably fitting around a punch bag 4 to sense, in use, a location, a size and a time of an impact event on the punch bag sleeve is described. The punch bag sleeve 2 comprises: a flexible body portion 30 configured, in use, to fit around a cylindrical shaped punch bag 4, the flexible body portion including three accelerometer sensors (28, figure 6) arranged at spaced apart locations in a triangle formation; a processing engine operatively coupled to the accelerometer sensors, the processing engine being arranged in response to the occurrence of the impact event to receive readings from each of the accelerometer sensors and to generate transmission data representing for each sensor: a sensor identifier, a peak acceleration value and a timestamp for the peak acceleration value; and a communications engine coupled to the processing engine, the communications engine being configured to transmit the transmission data, or data derived therefrom, to a local control device for processing and determination of the location, size and timing of the impact event. Also disclosed is a method of sensing an impact event on the punch bag sleeve and transmitting data to a portable telecommunications device 6. Further disclosed is a method determining a reaction time of a user impacting a particular target location on the punch bag sleeve.

Description

PUNCH BAG SLEEVE SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention disclosed herein relates to a punch bag sleeve system to be used in combination with a punch bag.

Background

Punch bags are a widely used form of sports equipment, particularly by amateur and professional boxers and those practicing martial arts. Some punch bags are floor standing and others are hanging bags. Some are even wall-mounted.

Interactive punch bags are also available, which may for example detect when a user has hit the punch bag and indicate this to the user.

Existing interactive punch bags may for example comprise punch bags with hundreds of touch sensors located on the surface of the bag to detect when a user strikes the surface. Other types of interactive punch bag may include those with a display screen on the surface of the punch bag and/or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) lighting up targets for the user to attempt to hit.

An ongoing problem with existing interactive punch bags is the tendency for electrical components located on or in the punch bag to break, for example due to users striking the bag repeatedly. Examples of such electrical components may include display units, power sources, LEDs and processors. The abundance of components involved also increases the likelihood of components breaking, resulting in the interactive punch bag being inoperable or less effective, as well as increasing the cost of the bag.

Such interactive punch bags may be available as a complete unit and so not only are expensive, but if there is a fault, it may be necessary to replace the entire punch bag system. Furthermore such interactive punch bags are not designed to be portable as they have to be, by definition, heavy so as to provide enough mass to absorb punches without undue movement. Accordingly with such sizable weight, these interactive punch bags are not intended to be portable from site to site and certainly could not be transported easily by air between different geographic locations for example.

It is desired to address at least some of the above mentioned problems. Summary According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a punch bag sleeve for removably fitting around a punch bag to sense, in use, a location, a size and a time of an impact event on the punch bag sleeve, the punch bag sleeve comprising: a flexible body portion configured, in use, to fit around a cylindrical shaped punch bag, the flexible body portion including three accelerometer sensors arranged at spaced apart locations in a triangle formation; a processing engine operatively coupled to the accelerometer sensors, the processing engine being arranged in response to the occurrence of the impact event to receive readings from each of the accelerometer sensors and to generate transmission data representing for each sensor: a sensor identifier, a peak acceleration value and a timestamp for the peak acceleration value; and a communications engine coupled to the processing engine, the communications engine being configured to transmit the transmission data, or data derived therefrom, to a local control device for processing and determination of the location, size and timing of the impact event.

Preferably the punch bag sleeve is a rectangular-shaped mat for wrapping around the cylindrical surface of the punch bag and the sleeve further comprises a fastener for releaseably fastening the mat around the punch bag. In an embodiment, the fastener comprises one or more fastening tapes, such as Velcro strips which enable the simple engagement and disengagement of the fastener.

The exterior surface of the punch bag sleeve may comprise a plurality of visually-identifiable target impact points. In some embodiments, the plurality of target impact points are arranged two diamond-shaped formations, one diamond-shaped formation being vertically displaced from the other diamond-shaped formation. In some embodiments, one of the diamond-shaped formations is larger in size than the other diamond-shaped formation. This double-diamond formation is one which is particularly useful for training in martial arts.

Two of the three accelerometer sensors may be positioned about the larger diamond-shaped formation and the other one of the accelerometer sensors is positioned about the smaller diamond-shaped formation. This triangular formation provides an optimum coverage of the playing surface of the punch bag with the minimal number of sensors.

The accelerometer sensors are preferably positioned underneath the surface of the sleeve and each is preferably protected from the effects of the impact event by a protective shock absorbing layer of material. Typically, this can be a form of padding which lessens the force sensed by each accelerometer but which is compensated for by having three sensor readings used together.

The punch bag sleeve comprises in one embodiment an end portion arranged, in use, to fit around a free end of the cylindrical punch bag. In this embodiment the end portion comprises a central accelerometer sensor arranged to be positioned in line with a central axis of the cylindrical punch bag, the central accelerometer sensor being operatively coupled to the processing engine and being arranged to provide readings regarding the impact event to the processor engine in use.

In an embodiment, the processing engine is configured to filter the readings from the accelerometer sensors to remove noise. This is particularly useful in filtering out artefacts of a previous impact event on the punch bag which may include residual movement of the punch bag from that previous impact event. This is particularly useful for a series of impact events which occur rapidly.

The processing engine may be configured to determine the occurrence of an impact event when a value of at least one of the readings from the accelerometer sensors of a peak acceleration value is above a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments the predetermined threshold is user-adjustable to provide different levels of minimum required impact for different users.

The processing engine can be configured to use the readings of the accelerometer sensors to determine a vector of movement of the punch bag sleeve in response the occurrence of the impact event.

The processing engine may be configured to determine an acceleration vector of movement of the punch bag in the x and z directions using the acceleration readings from the three accelerometer sensors. When a fourth sensor is used, as described above, the processing engine may be configured to determine an acceleration vector of movement of the punch bag in the y direction using the acceleration readings from the central accelerometer sensor.

In another embodiment, the processing engine determines the location of the impact event using the x, y and z directions of the movement of the punch bag.

The communications engine may comprise a transmitter/receiver configured to communicate over a low-power wireless link with the local control device or a transmitter/receiver configured to communicate over a wide area network wireless link with the local control device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a punch bag sleeve as described above and a local control device in operative communication with the punch sleeve, local control device comprising: an instruction generator for generating an instruction output signal to inform the user of the target impact location on the punch bag sleeve, outputting means for outputting the instruction output signal to the user; recording means for recording an output time of outputting the instruction output signal to the user; a communications module configured to receive the transmission data from the punch bag sleeve; and a processor configured to: process the transmission data to derive a location of the impact event, the time of the impact event and the force of the impact event; determine an accuracy metric by comparing the location of the target impact location and the location of the impact event; and determine a reaction time by determining the difference in time between the output time and the time of the impact event.

In an embodiment, the local control device is configured to determine the strength of the impact event by determining the size of the impact event.

The local control device may comprise a data store storing predetermined locations of the impact target points on the punch bag sleeve. Also in one embodiment the data store comprises a list of predetermined angles in the x, y and z axes mapped to locations on the punch bag sleeve that represent potential impact points and the processor is configured to calculate an angle of deviation of the punch bag in the x, y and z axes using the accelerometer sensor readings in the received transmission data and to look up the location of the impact event on the sleeve corresponding to the calculated angle of deviation.

In another embodiment, the outputting means comprises a speaker or headphones for converting the instruction output signal into an audio signal for the user. This is advantageous as the user can to focus visually on the punch bag sleeve and take the stimulus aurally. This ensures more consistent reaction time measurement.

In one embodiment, the processor is configured to: map each acceleration reading of a sensor to a radial boundary on the sleeve from a known location of the sensor, wherein the size of the radial boundary from the location of the sensor is inversely proportional to the acceleration measured by that sensor; and calculate a point of intersection of all three radial boundaries, wherein the point of intersection determines the location of the impact event.

In another embodiment, the local control device comprises a mobile telecommunication device configured to run a downloadable application for facilitating multiplayer simultaneous gameplay. In this case, the local control device can be configured to communicate with a remote server to upload the accuracy metrics and reaction time metrics for a particular user for comparison with other users.

The punch sleeve system described herein advantageously only requires a minimum of three sensors to determine the force and accuracy of a user's strike upon any part of a punch bag, as well as their reaction time. There are fewer sensors to be broken and need replacing than existing systems; resulting in a more durable and cost efficient interactive sleeve. The sensors are accelerometers and are configured to generate readings which are used together for example forming force vectors, rather than individually (just using the reading from an individual sensor having the strongest signal). Accordingly, this collaborative sensing from all of the appropriately position sensors enables each of them to be positioned underneath the surface of the sleeve, where they are protected by padding. The accelerometers therefore last longer and are at less risk of being damaged.

By implementing embodiments of the punch sleeve system through use of a wrappable sleeve that may be removably retro-fitted onto punch bags (wrapped around an existing punch bag), the claimed invention may be usable on a variety of new and existing punch bags. The system is therefore more cost-effective and lighter (and thereby easier to transport) than existing interactive punch bags. The punch sleeve system also has a lower carbon footprint than interactive punch bags because it requires less material to be produced and because it has a lower weight. Also its lower weight and compactable size means fewer journeys are needed to transport the product in bulk, for example from a manufacturing or distribution site to a retail site.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of sensing a location, a size and a time of an impact event on a punch bag sleeve removably fitted around a punch bag, the method comprising: fitting a flexible body portion around a cylindrical shaped punch bag, the flexible body portion including three accelerometer sensors arranged at spaced apart locations in a triangle formation; in response to the occurrence of the impact event on the sleeve, receiving readings from each of the accelerometer sensors and generating transmission data representing for each sensor: a sensor identifier, a peak acceleration value and a timestamp for the peak acceleration value; and transmitting the transmission data, or data derived therefrom, to a portable telecommunications device for processing and determination of the location, size and timing of the impact event.

The present invention also extends to a method of generating a stimulus for a user action on a punch bag sleeve and for processing signals generated in response to the user action on the punch bag sleeve, the punch bag sleeve comprising three accelerometer sensors arranged at spaced apart locations in a triangle formation, the method comprising: generating an instruction output signal to inform the user of a target impact location on the punch bag sleeve, outputting means for outputting the instruction output signal to the user; recording means for recording an output time of outputting the instruction output signal to the user; receiving transmission data from the punch bag sleeve, the transmission data comprising for each sensor: a sensor identifier, a peak acceleration value and a timestamp for the peak acceleration value relating to an impact event in response to the stimulus; and processing the received transmission data to derive a location of the impact event on the punch bag sleeve, the time of the impact event and the force of the impact event; determining an accuracy metric by determining the difference between the location of the target impact location and the location of the impact event; and determining a reaction time by determining the difference between the output time and the time of the impact event.

Brief Description of Figures

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a punch sleeve system 1 fitted over a free-standing punch bag according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow chart showing steps involved in operation of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3A is a schematic block diagram of a sleeve 2 of the punch sleeve system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the interior structure of the sleeve 2 of Figure 3A; Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a method of operating the sleeve of Figure 3A to determine force of a user's strike, the user's reaction time and the accuracy of the user's strike; Figure 5 is a graph illustrating how acceleration varies as a function of time at an accelerometer of the sleeve of Figure 3A, when a user strikes the sleeve 2; Figure 6 is a schematic layout diagram of the sleeve 2 of Figure 3A showing the positon of a plurality of target impact points 8 and accelerometers 28; Figure 7 is a top perspective schematic view of the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2 of Figure 3A, showing the position of the sensors, an impact and a resultant movement of the punch bag; Figure 815 a schematic block diagram of a mobile device 6 of the punch sleeve system shown in Figure 1; Figure 9 is a flow chart showing steps involved in determining and presenting the location and/or accuracy of the user's strike, the user's reaction time and the force of the user's strike using the mobile device shown in Figure 8 Figure 10 is a schematic layout diagram of the sleeve 2 of Figure 6, indicating triangulation boundary lines used for determining the location of an impact; Figure 11 is an example table of results obtained from a user interacting with the punch sleeve system of Figure 1; and Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a wide area system which utilises multiple punch bag systems of Figure 1 to connect multiple players together to share results/compete.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a punch sleeve system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The punch sleeve system 1 comprise a wrappable sleeve 2 for fitting around a punch bag 4, in communication with a mobile telecommunications device 6 (hereinafter referred to as a mobile device), for example a smart phone. The sleeve 2 is configured to be removably retrofitted to standard punch bags, such as those of a cylindrical shape. The punch bag 4 may for example comprise a standing punch bag 4, which may be located on a base 10, as illustrated in Figure 1. It is preferable for the sleeve to be fitted to a standing punch bag, although in other embodiments different types of punch bag may be used, including but not limited to a hanging bag, freestanding heavy bag, standard heavy bag, banana heavy bag, pole bag, angled heavy bag, teardrop heavy bag, wrecking ball heavy bag, bowling pin heavy bag, wall mounted/ uppercut bag, speed bag, double end bag, aqua bag, body opponent bag and/or any other type of punch bag 4.

The sleeve 2 comprises a body portion 30 which fits around the main curved body of the punch bag 4 and an end portion 32 which fits over the top or bottom end surface of the punch bag 4. The body portion is a mat which fits around the punch bag and is secured by means of a fastener (not shown). Preferably the fastener is one or more Velcro strips which conveniently secure the body portion around the punch bag. Similarly the end portion 32 is secured by means of flexible fasteners such as Velcro strips.

The exterior surface of the sleeve 2 of this embodiment includes a plurality of target impact points 8, arranged in pre-defined layout 9. The plurality of impact points 8 in this embodiment comprise numbers, such that each target impact point 8 comprises a different number. Each target impact point stands out from the background of the exterior surface of the sleeve such that is it easily recognisable by the user. Alternatively or additionally, each of the plurality of target impact points 8 may comprise a different shape, colour, image and/or letter.

The sleeve 2 has embedded within it an electronics system which in use is in communication with the mobile telecommunications device 6 via a Bluetooth® communications link 7, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). In other embodiments, other forms of communications links can be used such as WiFi®, 3G, 4G, Near Field Communications (NFC) and Telecommunications Networks.

Figure 1 further shows the orientation of the punch sleeve system 1 in the x, y and z axis 11.

Figure 2 is a flow chart showing how the punch sleeve system 1 may be operated. Referring to Figure 2, the punch sleeve system 1 is first set up at Step 100. This comprises placing the sleeve 2 over a punch bag 4, ensuring the mobile device 6 is connected to the local communications link 7 (e.g. Bluetootli) and downloading and/or opening an application 59 (see Figure 8) associated with the punch sleeve system 1 on the mobile device 6. The set-up procedure, at Step 100, may further comprise the user selecting a desired training programme 58 on the application 59 associated with the punch sleeve system 1.

The mobile device 6 then outputs at Step 102, an audio stimulus corresponding to the training programme selected, which involves target impact points 8 being announced in a particular order and at a constant or varying rate. The audio stimulus is typically output via a speaker of the mobile device 6 but in other embodiments it can be via an external speaker (not shown) to which the mobile device is operatively connected.

An example training programme would involve a list of numbers or letters (which correspond to the target impact points 8) being announced slowly at first, then rapidly and then slowly.

Impact is detected, at Step 104, by a plurality of sensors located under the surface of the sleeve 2. Impact may represent any force exerted on the sleeve 2, such as but not limited to a punch or kick by a user. The plurality of sensors comprises a plurality of accelerometers and the impact may be detected when the readings of one or more accelerometers exceeds a threshold. The system 1 is designed not only to detect the impact but also to determine characteristics of the impact, for example the location, the strength and the timing of the impact.

An acceleration reading for each of the accelerometers, together with a reading exceeding the threshold and a time stamp indicating the time the reading was taken is sent at Step 106, to the mobile device 6 via the local communications link 7, along with data that specifies which accelerometer each reading was taken from. Each acceleration reading sent to the mobile device 6 comprises a peak acceleration value, which represents the highest acceleration reading between a period when the acceleration value exceeds and then drops below a threshold. The time stamp represents the time at which the peak acceleration value was measured. The time for the time stamp is determined using a clock provided within the electronics system of the punch bag system 1.

An acceleration measurement exceeding the threshold typically indicates that the user has hit some part of the sleeve 2.

The threshold may comprise any acceleration value. The threshold may be adjusted, for example to suit a particular category or skill level of the user. For example, if the punch sleeve system 1 is to be used by children, the threshold may be set lower than when it is to be used by adults. Likewise, the threshold may be set lower when it is to be used by amateurs than when it is to be used by professional athletes. An example of a typical acceleration threshold value is 19.6 ms-2 (twice the acceleration due to gravity, g). The acceleration threshold configured to suit a particular category or skill level of the user may be selected during the start-up procedure at Step 100. The threshold acceleration may also be adjusted during or in between training programmes, for example if the force of one or more of the user's strikes does not exceed the acceleration threshold or alternatively exceeds a predetermined limit.

Additionally or alternatively, the threshold may depend on the acceleration due to gravity, g.

Next the accuracy of the impact, the force of the impact and the reaction time of the user are determined, at Step 108, by the system 1. The accuracy of the impact refers to how close the impact point is to the location of the target impact point 8 that was announced preceding the impact and the force of the impact represents the force of the user's strike on the sleeve 2. The reaction time refers to the time between when the target impact point 8 (i.e. a number corresponding to a particular target impact point) is announced and when the impact is detected.

Figure 3A illustrates the sleeve 2 and the electronics system embedded within the sleeve. As mentioned earlier, the sleeve 2 comprises the plurality of target impact points 8 provided in a pattern 9 on its surface. The electronics system comprises a plurality of accelerometers 28 (impact sensors) and a control box 12. In this embodiment 4 sensors are used as will be described in greater detail later. The control box 12 includes a communications engine 20, a power source 22, a processor 24 and a clock 26. The communications engine 20 is configured to communicate with and thereby send data to the mobile device 6. The power source 22 is configured to supply power to one or more components associated with the punch sleeve system 1, including but not limited to the plurality of accelerometers 28, the processor 24 and the clock 26. The power source is preferably a battery and more preferably a rechargeable battery. The processor 24 is operatively coupled to the accelerometers and is configured to process data signals including but not limited to sensor readings from the plurality of accelerometers and the time readings from the clock 26. The processor 24 in this embodiment is a micro-processor which is configured to carry out this process. Time stamps are determined by the processor using the clock 26, and the time stamps are generated to record when the peak acceleration values are sensed. The plurality of accelerometers 28 are configured to measure acceleration. For example, if the plurality of accelerometers 28 are placed under the surface of the sleeve 2, positioned on the punch bag 4, and a user strikes the sleeve 2, the sleeve 2 and punch bag 4 will move due to the impact. The plurality of accelerometers 28 is therefore able to measure the acceleration of the sleeve 2 in response to the impact. The acceleration readings are in use transmitted to the processor 24 of the control box 12. The target impact points 8 in this embodiment are located at specific positions (forming the double diamond pattern 9) on the surface of the body portion of the sleeve 2. The target impact points 8 may for example be printed on, painted on or attached to the surface of the sleeve 2. The positioning of the plurality of accelerometers 28 is not the same as the positioning of the impact points 8 as is explained later. Also the number of impact points is typically not the same as the number of accelerometers used to detect that impact.

Figure 3B shows the sleeve 2 comprising the body portion 30 and the end portion 32, the plurality of accelerometers 28 and the control box 12. The plurality of accelerometers 28 and the control box 12 are operatively connected, for example by one or more wires 36 as shown in Figure 3B.

The plurality of accelerometers 28 of the punch sleeve system 1 in this embodiment comprises a total of four accelerometers. Three of the four accelerometers are positioned underneath the surface of the body portion 30 of the sleeve 2, in a triangle formation. The triangle formation of the accelerometers 28 in this embodiment comprises two accelerometers 28 arranged adjacent to each other to form the base of the triangle and a third accelerometer 28 arranged to form the vertex of the triangle opposite the base. The fourth accelerometer 28 is positioned underneath the surface of the end portion 32 of the sleeve 4. The fourth accelerometer 28 is positioned at the centre of the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2.

The control box 12 is in this embodiment located on the body portion 30 or end portion of the sleeve 2.

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating how the accelerometer 28 readings may be processed by the processor 24 to determine the force of the impact (strike), the user's reaction time and the accuracy of the user's strike.

The plurality of accelerometers 28 measure acceleration with respect to time at Step 200. Timing of these readings is provided by use of the clock 26.

The measurements of acceleration for each accelerometer 28 are transmitted at Step 202, to the processor 24 of the control box 12. Measurements of time are also transmitted to the processor 24 of the control box 12. The processor 24 of the control box 12 then determines the time at which acceleration readings are taken.

Noise is then filtered at Step 204, from the acceleration readings by the processor 24 of the control box 12. This involves the processor 24 determining whether any of the acceleration readings of the plurality of accelerometers 28 exceed the predetermined threshold. If an acceleration measurement of a particular accelerometer exceeds the threshold, the processor 24 determines the peak acceleration value for that spike in acceleration for that sensor 28. The peak acceleration value represents the highest acceleration reading between a period when the acceleration value exceeds and then drops below a threshold. The time at which the peak acceleration value was measured is also determined by the processor 24 of the control box 12.

Noise may for example be generated by movement of the punch bag 4 from external factors such as building movement or a draft or the punch bag 4 and/or the sleeve 2 moving due to the momentum of a previous strike.

The filtered sensor readings (including at least acceleration and time measurements) are sent at Step 206, to the mobile device 6 by the communications engine 20. This comprises sending peak acceleration values for all of the plurality of accelerometers 28 being transmitted to the mobile device, along with data indicating the time each peak acceleration value was measured and the accelerometer which took the reading. The force and accuracy of the user's strike and their reaction time is then determined at Step 208. Such calculations, which will be explained in more detailed below, are in this embodiment carried out using one or more processors of the mobile device 6.

Figure 5 is a graph 33 that illustrates how acceleration (measured using a single accelerometer of the plurality of accelerometers 28) varies as a function of time (measured using the clock 26) when a user strikes the sleeve 2. A lower horizontal dashed line 34, marked with the letter "T", indicates the threshold acceleration required for the system 1 to recognise the reading as relating to a user's strike of the punch bag 4. An upper horizontal dashed line 36, in line with the peak of the parabola, indicates the peak acceleration value. As Figure 5 illustrates, the peak acceleration 37 is the highest acceleration reading between a period when the acceleration value exceeds and then drops below the threshold T. The peak acceleration values 37 for each accelerometer (if any) are transmitted to the mobile device 6, along with data that specifies the time 36 each peak acceleration value 37 was measured and which accelerometer 28 the reading(s) came from.

Figure 6 shows the sleeve 2 comprising the body portion 30 and end portion 32. The sleeve 2 may comprise the plurality of accelerometers 28 (underneath the surface) and the plurality of target impact points 8. As discussed previously and illustrated in Figure 6, three accelerometers of the plurality of accelerometers 28 are arranged in this embodiment in a triangle formation on the body portion 30 of the sleeve 2 and one accelerometer of the plurality of accelerometers 28 is located in the centre of the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2. This formation is highly advantageous as it enables the area of the pattern 9 impact target points 8 to be covered whilst providing a minimal number of sensors (three) to provide location detection capabilities as is described later.

The target impact points 8 are arranged in a pre-defined layout on the body portion 30 of the sleeve 2. For example, the target impact points 8 may be arranged in the "double-diamond" formation illustrated in Figure 6. In this example, a first group of target impact points 8 are arranged in a diamond shape above a second group of the target impact points also arranged in a slightly different larger diamond shape. Such a formation may be particularly appropriate when practicing boxing and martial arts. For example, a user directing their strike towards the target impact point marked "0" in Figure 6 may simulate a user striking the head of their opponent, whilst a user directing their strike towards the target impact points marked "1" and "2" in Figure 6 may simulate the user executing a hook or jab. The user striking the sleeve 2 at the target impact points 8 improves both hand-eye coordination and muscle memory.

Sleeves 2 for use in the punch sleeve system 1 described herein can be manufactured to be suitable for punch bags of different shapes and sizes. The layout of the target impact points 8 on the body portion 30 of the sleeve 2 may be scaled accordingly to suit a punch bag of a particular shape and size. For example, the layout of the target impact points 8 on the body portion 30 of the sleeve 2 may be scaled according to the dimensions of the bag, such that the distances between the target impact points Bare directly proportional to the length and circumference of the punch bag. The material used for the sleeve 2 may be any durable covering (such as a woven plastics covering) with a supportive foam layer underneath. Each sensor is also embedded within the sleeve and has some protective padding to reduce the likelihood of damage due to strikes. Whilst this padding reduces the force sensed by each accelerometer, the use of collective readings from a plurality of the accelerometers to determine the force and position of an impact ensures that the sensors last longer as they are better protected.

Figure 7 shows a top perspective view of the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2 and comprises an accelerometer 28, positioned beneath the surface of the sleeve 2 at the centre of the circular end portion. Figure 7 further shows a rod 40 that passes through the central axis of the punch bag 4, as this punch bag 4 is a standing punch bag. The central rod 40 passing through the central axis provides additional stability and structure to the punch bag 4. Figure 7 shows three of the plurality of accelerometers positioned on the curved body portion 30 of the sleeve 2 and a single accelerometer on the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2. When a user strikes the sleeve 2, each of the plurality of accelerometers 28 may move due to the momentum of the user's strike. Depending on the location of the user's strike on the sleeve 2, the accelerometer on the end portion 32 of the sleeve moves in a particular direction. Figure 7 further shows an impact point 42, which represents where the user may arbitrarily strike the sleeve 2. The arrow 44 shows the direction the accelerometer located at the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2 may move in response to the user's strike at impact point 42.

Figure 8 shows the mobile device 6, which is configured to communicate via the Bluetooth link 7 to the punch bag system 1. The device comprises an input/output subsystem 50 which includes a keyboard, touchscreen and/or microphone 52 and a speaker and screen 64. The mobile device 6 also comprises a processor 54, a data store 56, a local communications system 60 and a wide area communications system 62. The Local Communications System 60 receives signals from the local communications engine 20 of the control box 12 of the sleeve 2. These communications typically include the previously mentioned peak acceleration values, timestamps indicating when measurements were taken and data indicating the accelerometer 28 each reading was taken from. The processor 54 is configured to determine the force and accuracy of the user's strike and the reaction time of the user. The data store 56 includes stored training programmes 58 that may be selected by the user and/or data indicating the pre-defined positions of the target impact points 8 and one or more applications (apps) 59 for controlling the operation of the mobile device 6. The training programmes 58 may be presented to the user for selection using an application (app) 59 running on the mobile device 6 which is associated with the punch sleeve system 1. The app 59 would not only generate the stimulus for the user in accordance with a selected training program but would also receive the results from the punch sleeve system land calculate a given set of results for a user following a training program. Information relating to the training programme 58 the user has selected may be transmitted to the speaker 64 of the mobile device 6 or an external speaker, such that a current target impact point 8 can be announced for the user to direct their strike towards, in accordance with the selected training programme 58. If the information relating to the selected training programme 58 is transmitted to an external speaker, it may be transmitted via the local communications system 60 and received by the external speaker. Commonly, such wireless communication is made using a Bluetooth® connection.

The communications engine 20 and local communication system 60 use Bluetooth®, however other possible communications channels which could be used in other embodiments include WiFi®, 3G, 4G, Near Field Communications (NFC) and Telecommunications Networks.

The wide area communication system 62 may allow the user to interact with one or more other users of a punch sleeve system 1. These may be other users of the punch sleeve system 1 the first user used or other users using another punch sleeve system 1. For example, users may be able to upload their results from completing one or more training programmes 58 to a server via the wide area communication system 62, such that the results are available to other users (see Figure 12 later).

The results may for example include the user's accuracy, reaction time and force of impact for each strike. Additionally or alternatively, the results may include the user's average accuracy (determining the actual strike location with the expected strike location of the impact target point 8), reaction time (time of generation of audio stimulus to time of recordal of impact) and/or force (measured force of impact compared to expected force of impact) for a particular training programme.

The results of users' training programmes are uploaded in real-time or once the training programme has ended. Users also compete with other users, for example such that their respective results are compared and presented to both or all users.

In one embodiment, the application associated with the punch sleeve system 1 allows a plurality of users (such as two to four users) to locally compete using the same sleeve 2. For example a local competition may comprise the plurality of users each consecutively completing a particular training programme on the same punch bag. The results of the local competition are then displayed on a leader board on at least one of the participating users' mobile device (via the app associated with the punch sleeve system) and/or on the server 84, to be viewed by other users who have downloaded the app. It has been found that players exercise to a higher level when competing as they are trying to win against their opponents, rather than thinking of muscle burn.

In another embodiment, the application associated with the punch sleeve system 1 allows a plurality of users to compete with each other using different sleeves (explained in further detail below). The users can be located anywhere around the world and can compete with each other at any time. For example, the users can select which training programme they would like to compete in and complete it simultaneously or at a time that suits each user. The results of these online competitions are also displayed in the form of a leader board on each users' mobile devices (via the app 59 associated with the punch sleeve system 1) and/or the server 84, to be viewed by other users who have downloaded the app 59.

Due to users being able to compete with each other virtually, using different sleeves in separate locations, patients (e.g. in hospitals) can benefit from interacting with others without risking cross-contamination.

The local and online competitions can be multi-staged, with certain users being "knocked-out" or permitted to continue to the next round.

It is possible to create groups of users so that it is easy for certain users to compete with each other. For example, clubs or gymnasiums may have their own groups so that users can easily compete with other users in the same club or gymnasium. Different groups and clubs from around the world can also compete with each other. The application 59 associated with the punch sleeve system 1 is compatible with at least i0S®, Android, Personal Computers (PC) and Macintosh Computers. Data is both stored locally on user devices and also on secure servers.

Data relating to the user's results may for example be sent to a central server via the wide area communications system 62 and data relating to other user's results may for example be received from the central server (as described later).

The wide area communication system 62 may for example comprise a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the internet or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example method of how the punch sleeve system 1 is used to determine and present the location and/or accuracy of the user's strike, the user's reaction time and the force of their strike. The method commences with the processor 54 of the mobile device 6 receiving, at Step 300, information via the input/output subsystem 50 of the mobile device indicating the training programme 58 the user has selected. This selection may be made from within the app 59 running on the mobile device 6. The application 59 then runs on the processor 54 and generates a series of signals to specify which impact target 8 of the sleeve 2 the user has to try to hit in accordance with the training program 58. This information may be transmitted to a speaker 64 of the mobile device 6 or an external speaker. The speaker 64 of the mobile device 6 then generates audio signals which announce a particular target impact point 8, in accordance with the selected training programme 58. For example, if the target impact points 8 comprise a series of numbers, the speaker 64 of the mobile device recites a particular number that corresponds to a target impact point 8 that the user should attempt to hit. When the user strikes the sleeve 2, the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 move accordingly and the plurality of accelerometers 28 measures the acceleration. The acceleration measurements are transmitted back to the processor 24 of the control box 12. The acceleration measurements are filtered and processed at Step 304 and any peak acceleration values are determined, as discussed previously. The mobile device 6 then receives at Step 306, data from the control box 12 of the sleeve 2. This data comprises peak acceleration values 37, corresponding fimestamps 36 indicating the time each peak acceleration value was measured and data indicating the particular accelerometer that measured each peak acceleration value 37. The processor 54 processes, at Step 308, the data received from the control box 12 of the sleeve 2 and uses it to determine the location and/or accuracy of the user's strike on the sleeve 2, the reaction time of the user and the force of the user's strike.

The location and accuracy of the user's strike may be determined at least partially using triangulation techniques. As explained previously, the plurality of accelerometers 28 in this embodiment comprises three accelerometers located under the surface of the body portion 30 of the sleeve in a triangular formation and optionally one located under the surface of the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2. The app 59 knows the positional relationships of each sensor 28 and so acceleration readings from each sensor can be used to determine the location of the impact using triangulation techniques. When a user strikes the sleeve 2, each accelerometer moves due to the impact and measures a peak acceleration value. The greater the force of the user's strike, the higher the acceleration. Moreover, the closer the location of the strike is to an accelerometer, the higher the acceleration measured by that particular accelerometer. As such, the peak acceleration values measured by each accelerometer following a single strike can differ. Each peak acceleration value will indicate that the user has hit the sleeve 2 at a particular distance from the sensor, namely at a particular boundary, shown by the dashed boundary lines 70 in Figure 10. The lower the acceleration value measured, the further the impact location boundary extends. The point at which the boundary lines 70 of each accelerometer 28 intersect may be determined to be the impact point 42. The point of intersection at the impact point 42 is also indicated in Figure 10.

An alternative method of determining the impact location 42 of the user's strike (which is used in a different embodiment) involves the plurality of accelerometers 28 collectively measuring acceleration in the form of a vector to calculate the angle of deviation. The target impact points 8 are placed at different locations on the sleeve 2 and each time the user hits (punches or kicks) a location with a different number, the bag moves in a different direction depending on whether the number is located in the centre, left or right side of the bag. The sensors, which are attached to the sleeve 2, also move in different directions and using the acceleration vectors from the accelerometers, the angle of deviation of the bag with respect to the static position can be calculated. Acceleration may be measured in the x, y and z axis 11 when the bag 4 is moved following a user striking the sleeve 2. Depending on how the bag moves, the acceleration value registered by each accelerometer typically varies on all three axes. The accelerometers located on the curved body portion 30 of the sleeve 2 determine the acceleration in the x and z directions. The x and z axis values of acceleration are therefore used to determine the angle of deviation of the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 unit. Alternatively or additionally, force vectors are calculated using these acceleration vectors, for example by multiplying the acceleration values by the mass of the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 unit (including any component connected to the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 unit that may move as the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 unit moves, such as a central rod 40 passing through the central axis of the punch bag 4 and a structure suspending the bag from a wall or ceiling). The force vectors may instead be used to calculate the angle of deviation of the punch bag 4. A list of pre-configured angles mapped to locations on the sleeve 2 may be stored in the data store 56 of the mobile device 6. The impact point 42 may be calculated by determining which location on the sleeve 2 corresponds with the angle of deviation measured.

The accelerometer 28 located on the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2 further contributes to determining the location impact point 42 by determining the acceleration in the y-axis. As shown in Figure 7, when the user strikes the sleeve 2 at an impact point 42, the accelerometer 28 on the end portion 32 of the sleeve 2 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 44. The accelerometer 28 on the end portion 32 may determine acceleration in the form of a vector. The direction of the vector therefore indicates the location of the impact point 42 in the y-axis.

The location of the impact point 42 may therefore be determined in the x, y and z directions.

Once the impact point 42 of the user's strike has been determined, the accuracy of the user's strike may be determined, for example by calculating the distance between the impact point 42 and the impact target point 8 that has most recently been announced. The location of the impact target points 8 may have been pre-programmed and stored in the data store 56 of the mobile device 6. The distance between the impact point 42 and the impact target point 8 that has most recently been announced may be calculated by the processor 54 of the mobile device 6 and the smaller the distance the higher the accuracy.

The reaction time of the user's strike is determined by calculating the period of time between when a particular target impact point 8 is announced and when an impact is detected on the sleeve 2. The time each target impact point 8 is announced is measured using the clock of the mobile device 6. Impact may be considered to be detected on the sleeve 2 the instance any of the plurality of accelerometers 28 measures an acceleration exceeding the threshold. Alternatively, impact may be considered to be detected on the sleeve the moment a peak acceleration value is recorded by any of the plurality of accelerometers 28. Such a period of time may for example be determined by the processor 54.

The force of the user's strike on the sleeve 2 can be determined in this embodiment using Equation 1.

Equation 1: F = ma F refers to the force of the user's impact, 'm' refers to the mass of the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 unit (including any component connected to the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 unit that may move as the punch bag 4 and sleeve 2 unit moves, such as a central rod 40 passing through the central axis of the punch bag 4 and a structure suspending the bag from a wall or ceiling) and 'a' refers to acceleration of the sleeve 2.

The acceleration, a, used to calculate the force of the user's impact, specifically refers to a peak acceleration value.

The force of the user's impact may then be determined by multiplying the mass, m, by the acceleration, a.

An accelerometer Swill measure higher acceleration values if the impact occurs at a location closer to the location of the accelerometer compared to when the impact occurs further away from the accelerometer. As such, the punch sleeve system 1 takes into consideration the location of the impact and the location of one or more sensors and scales the acceleration accordingly when determining the force of the user's impact. The scaling parameter used to scale the acceleration value may for example be calculated using the distance between one or more sensors 28 and the impact point 42.

Returning to Figure 9, the punch sleeve system 1 determines at Step 310, whether the training programme 58 has ended, for example, when all the target impact points 8 of the selected training programme 58 have been announced or when the user has selected to end the training programme 58 (e.g. before all the target impact points 8 of the selected training programme 58 have been announced). If the training programme 58 has not ended, the method returns to outputting the next audio instruction for the user at Step 302, where a further target impact point 8 is announced. When the user strikes the sleeve 2 following the announcement of a further target impact point 8, the acceleration is measured by the plurality of accelerometers 28 and the readings are processed at Step 304 to determine peak acceleration values (if any). The peak acceleration values following the announcement of the further target impact point 8, time stamps that indicate when the peak acceleration values were measured and data indicating which accelerometer each peak acceleration value came from, are all transmitted at Step 306, to the mobile device 6. The location and/or accuracy of the user's subsequent strike (following the announcement of the further target impact point 8), the user's reaction time and the force of the subsequent impact, are all determined by the processor 54. If the training programme 58 has not been completed, the method repeats method steps 302, 304, 205, 308 and 310 until the training programme 58 has ended.

The results are then presented at Step 312, to a user and/or uploaded to a server to be shared with other users, for example so that multiple users can view each other's results and compete with each other (see later).

When the results are presented to the user, the final force value may for example be mapped to a chosen range, such as between 0 and 127 Figure 11 provides example tables showing how the results may be presented. In Table 1, the first column indicates the number of the user's strike on the sleeve 2. The second, third and fourth column of Table 1 indicates that the accuracy, force and reaction time of the user may be determined for each strike. This table may be presented in the app which is running on the user's mobile device 6. Such results may indicate how a user's accuracy, force and reaction time can change in the course of a particular training programme 58.

In Table 2 of Figure 11, the first column identifies each impact target point 8 and the second, third and fourth columns indicate the accuracy, force and reaction time of the user for each impact target point 8 the user strikes. Since striking certain target impact points 8 can involve the user striking the sleeve 2 with a particular body part (such as a fist or foot) or simulate the user striking the sleeve 2 with a particular technique (such as a hook or jab), such results can indicate how a user performs when executing different moves. For example, a high score from striking target impact point Zero can indicate a user is particularly good at head shots.

Figure 12 illustrates how in another embodiment the user shares their results with and/or competes with another user in real-time or following the completion of a particular training programme 58. In Figure 12 there is shown a first user 80, having a locally provided sleeve 2, punch bag 4 and mobile device 6 of the first user 80. There is also shown a second user 82 also having a locally provided sleeve 2, punch bag 4 and a mobile device 6 of the second user 82. As these users are located in different geographic locations, a wide area communications system 62 is provided to enable sharing of data together with a server 84 and a corresponding further data store 86.

In one example of use, the first and second users' 80, 82 results are transmitted to the server 84 via the wide are communications system 62, which stores the results 88 in the further data store 86. Each user's results are then transmitted from the server 84 to the other user's mobile device 6. Such a feature enables users to compare their results with other users and compete with each other.

The server 84 may for example comprise but is not limited to a web server, application server or a database server.

Although Figure 12 shows only two users, it is possible for a first user to be able to share their results with and/or compete with any number of users.

Claims

CLAIMSA punch bag sleeve for removably fitting around a punch bag to sense, in use, a location, a size and a time of an impact event on the punch bag sleeve, the punch bag sleeve comprising: a flexible body portion configured, in use, to fit around a cylindrical shaped punch bag, the flexible body portion including three accelerometer sensors arranged at spaced apart locations in a triangle formation; a processing engine operatively coupled to the accelerometer sensors, the processing engine being arranged in response to the occurrence of the impact event to receive readings from each of the accelerometer sensors and to generate transmission data representing for each sensor: a sensor identifier, a peak acceleration value and a timestamp for the peak acceleration value; and a communications engine coupled to the processing engine, the communications engine being configured to transmit the transmission data, or data derived therefrom, to a local control device for processing and determination of the location, size and timing of the impact event.
2 A punch bag sleeve of Claim 1, wherein the punch bag sleeve is a rectangular-shaped mat for wrapping around the cylindrical surface of the punch bag and the sleeve further comprises a fastener for releaseably fastening the mat around the punch bag.
3. A punch bag sleeve of Claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises one or more fastening tapes, such as Velcro strips.
4. A punch bag sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the exterior surface of the punch bag sleeve comprises a plurality of visually-identifiable target impact points.
A punch bag sleeve of Claim 4, wherein the plurality of target impact points are arranged two diamond-shaped formations, one diamond-shaped formation being vertically displaced from the other diamond-shaped formation.
6. A punch bag sleeve of Claim 5, wherein one of the diamond-shaped formations is larger in size than the other diamond-shaped formation.
A punch bag sleeve of Claim 6, wherein two of the three accelerometer sensors are positioned about the larger diamond-shaped formation and the other one of the accelerometer sensors is positioned about the smaller diamond-shaped formation.
8. A punch bag sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the accelerometer sensors are positioned underneath the surface of the sleeve and each are protected from the effects of the impact event by a protective shock absorbing layer of material.
9. A punch bag sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the punch bag sleeve comprises an end portion arranged, in use, to fit around a free end of the cylindrical punch bag.
A punch bag sleeve of Claim 9, wherein the end portion comprises a central accelerometer sensor arranged to be positioned in line with a central axis of the cylindrical punch bag, the central accelerometer sensor being operatively coupled to the processing engine and being arranged to provide readings regarding the impact event to the processor engine in use.
11. A punch bag sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the processing engine is configured to filter the readings from the accelerometer sensors to remove noise.
12. A punch bag sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the processing engine is configured to determine the occurrence of an impact event when a value of at least one of the readings from the accelerometer sensors of a peak acceleration value is above a predetermined threshold.
13. A punch bag sleeve of Claim 12, wherein the predetermined threshold is user-adjustable to provide different levels of minimum required impact for different users.
14. A punch bag sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the processing engine is configured to use the readings of the accelerometer sensors to determine a vector of movement of the punch bag sleeve in response the occurrence of the impact event.
15. A punch bag sleeve of Claim 14, wherein the processing engine is configured to determine an acceleration vector of movement of the punch bag in the x and z directions using the acceleration readings from the three accelerometer sensors.
16. A punch bag sleeve of Claim 14 or 15 as dependent on Claim 10, wherein the processing engine is configured to determine an acceleration vector of movement of the punch bag in the y direction using the acceleration readings from the central accelerometer sensor.
17 A punch bag sleeve of Claim 16 as dependent on Claim 15, wherein the processing engine determines the location of the impact event using the x, y and z directions of the movement of the punch bag.
18. A punch bag sleeve of any of Claims 1 to 17, wherein the communications engine comprises a transmitter/receiver configured to communicate over a low-power wireless link with the local control device or a transmitter/receiver configured to communicate over a wide area network wireless link with the local control device.
19. A system comprising a punch bag sleeve according to any one of Claims 1 to 18 and a local control device in operative communication with the punch sleeve, local control device comprises: an instruction generator for generating an instruction output signal to inform the user of the target impact location on the punch bag sleeve, outputting means for outputting the instruction output signal to the user; recording means for recording an output time of outputting the instruction output signal to the user; a communications module configured to receive the transmission data from the punch bag sleeve; and a processor configured to: process the transmission data to derive a location of the impact event, the time of the impact event and the force of the impact event; determine an accuracy metric by comparing the location of the target impact location and the location of the impact event; and determine a reaction time by determining the difference in time between the output time and the time of the impact event.
20. A system of Claim 19, wherein the local control device is configured to determine the strength of the impact event by determining the size of the impact event.
21. A system of Claim 19 or 20, wherein the local control device comprises a data store storing predetermined locations of the impact target points on the punch bag sleeve.
22. A system of Claim 21, wherein data store comprises a list of pre-determined angles in the x, y and z axes mapped to locations on the punch bag sleeve that represent potential impact points and the processor is configured to calculate an angle of deviation of the punch bag in the x, y and z axes using the accelerometer sensor readings in the received transmission data and to look up the location of the impact event on the sleeve corresponding to the calculated angle of deviation.
23. A system of any of Claims 19 to 22, wherein the outputting means comprises a speaker or headphones for converting the instruction output signal into an audio signal for the user.
24. A system of any of Claims 19 to 23, wherein the processor is configured to: map each acceleration reading of a sensor to a radial boundary on the sleeve from a known location of the sensor, wherein the size of the radial boundary from the location of the sensor is inversely proportional to the acceleration measured by that sensor; and calculate a point of intersection of all three radial boundaries, wherein the point of intersection determines the location of the impact event.
25. A system of any of Claims 19 to 23, wherein the local control device comprises a mobile telecommunication device configured to run a downloadable application for facilitating multiplayer simultaneous gameplay.
26. A system of Claim 25, wherein the local control device is configured to communicate with a remote server to upload the accuracy metrics and reaction time metrics for a particular user for comparison with other users.
27. A method of sensing a location, a size and a time of an impact event on a punch bag sleeve removably fitted around a punch bag, the method comprising: fitting a flexible body portion around a cylindrical shaped punch bag, the flexible body portion including three accelerometer sensors arranged at spaced apart locations in a triangle formation; in response to the occurrence of the impact event on the sleeve, receiving readings from each of the accelerometer sensors and generating transmission data representing for each sensor: a sensor identifier, a peak acceleration value and a timestamp for the peak acceleration value; and transmitting the transmission data, or data derived therefrom, to a portable telecommunications device for processing and determination of the location, size and timing of the impact event.
28 A method of generating a stimulus for a user action on a punch bag sleeve and for processing signals generated in response to the user action on the punch bag sleeve, the punch bag sleeve comprising three accelerometer sensors arranged at spaced apart locations in a triangle formation, the method comprising generating an instruction output signal to inform the user of a target impact location on the punch bag sleeve, outputting means for outputting the instruction output signal to the user; recording means for recording an output time of outputting the instruction output signal to the user; receiving transmission data from the punch bag sleeve, the transmission data comprising for each sensor: a sensor identifier, a peak acceleration value and a timestamp for the peak acceleration value relating to an impact event in response to the stimulus; and processing the received transmission data to derive a location of the impact event on the punch bag sleeve, the time of the impact event and the force of the impact event; determining an accuracy metric by determining the difference between the location of the target impact location and the location of the impact event; and determining a reaction time by determining the difference between the output time and the time of the impact event.